TSPDCL says metres must at pandals

Khairatabad: Using unauthorized power connections has always been a practice during Ganesh festival. Ganapathi pandals use about 15-20 megawatts of extra electricity to power decorative lights and music systems.

While there is no official statistics available, it is estimated that at least 20 per cent of the pandals tap power in Hyderabad. On an average not more than 500 temporary connections were issued by the TSPDCL during this period every year. Many of pandal organisers use power from their houses in Hyderabad.

G Raghuma Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, TSPDCL stated that availing of power supply by tapping or hooking directly from the power lines is illegal; moreover, it is dangerous in nature. He instructed the field superintending engineers to take necessary steps to motivate the Ganesh pandal organizers for availing power connections officially.

For this year's Ganesh festivities to be celebrated from September 2 to September 12, the LT temporary supply would be given for illumination of Ganesh pandals if the lumpsum amounts are paid in advance.

There will be a tariff of Rs 500 up to a connected load of 250 watt, Rs 1,000 for above 250 watts and up to 500 watts, Rs.1, 500 for above 500 watts and up to 1,000 watts plus Rs 750 for every 500 watts.

However, if the applicants come forward for metered supply to the pandals, the same would be extended as per rules in vogue under LT temporary supply at a tariff of Rs 11.00 per unit and fixed charges of Rs 21/ kW/ month and other conditions as per the Tariff Order 2018-19 will be applicable.

If any unauthorised connection is found at Ganesh pandals, then not only the connection be cut, but it can also lead to fine and legal action against the person concerned, say the officials.